Have the lights been flickering in your home? Maybe you noticed it during the last storm, or it flashed when you started the clothes dryer? Flickering lights are among some of the most common electrical issues homeowners face, but too often they’re brushed off as no big deal. Seemingly harmless, flickering lights may indicate a more serious issue with your electrical system. Given that electrical issues are the leading cause of house fires each year, homeowners should never ignore their flickering lights.
With this guide, homeowners can better understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to get professional help to protect their property. We’ll examine the potential causes of flickering lights, how to troubleshoot them yourself, and the warning signs you should never ignore. So, instead of dismissing your lights the next time they flash unexpectedly, consider the information we’re about to share.
Common Causes of Flickering Lights
Flickering lights are common; many homeowners experience them at one time or another. The real concern with intermittent lighting is not what you see, but what you don’t. Why is it happening? Flickering lights can stem from a variety of sources and range from simple fixes to complex electrical issues. The following are the most common causes behind inconsistent lighting:
- Loose Bulbs: It may seem silly, but one of the most common causes (and easiest to fix) of flickering lights is loose bulbs. Over time, bulbs can loosen due to vibration, temperature changes, or normal use, causing the connection to loosen and resulting in inconsistent electrical flow to the bulb.
- Faulty Light Fixtures: Like bulbs, light fixtures can wear out over time, developing loose connections that cause intermittent flickering.
- Incompatible Bulbs: If you have been shopping for light bulbs recently, you may have noticed the overwhelming variety available. Some newer bulbs, such as LEDs, may not be compatible with older switches, causing the lights to flicker intermittently.
- Faulty Switches and/or Wiring: Electrical switches in our homes are constantly used. With frequent use, light switches can fail, especially when a budget-friendly option is used instead of a premium switch. Older homes may have outdated wiring systems, such as aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube, that can exacerbate the problem.
- Voltage Fluctuations: Voltage fluctuations can occur for several reasons. With larger appliances (common in most modern homes), voltage fluctuations can occur when they power on, temporarily affecting lighting. And, in areas like Northborough, where the power grid experiences high demand during peak hours, voltage dips can cause lights to flicker.
- Overloaded Circuits: Today, we rely heavily on electronic devices and high-wattage appliances, such as space heaters during cold Massachusetts winters or air conditioners during summer. Running too many devices or appliances on the same circuit can cause lights to flicker as the circuit struggles to keep up with the demand.
- Outdated Wiring and Electrical Panels: It should come as no surprise that older homes have older electrical systems. Homes built decades ago may struggle to meet today’s electrical demands due to outdated wiring and/or electrical panels, especially during periods of high energy consumption, which can cause lights to flicker.
When homeowners understand the common causes of flickering lights, they can often address the issue themselves before it becomes a more serious problem. Before getting too concerned, let’s learn how to troubleshoot at home before searching for electrical contractors.
Troubleshooting Flickering Lights at Home
With the common causes of flickering lights in mind, take a deep breath, and don’t panic. Here are some safe, simple, do-it-yourself steps you can take to identify and potentially resolve the problem:
- Check and tighten lightbulbs to rule out a loose connection.
- Try a different type of lightbulb. Check the fixture for a small sticker with details on the recommended bulb type. If you cannot locate the fixture specifications, take a photo and bring it to a local hardware store for comparison or to consult an expert.
- Plug in and turn on different appliances to see if the flicker occurs. If it happens only when a specific appliance or device is powered on, that appliance may be the culprit.
- Check switches for looseness by toggling them back and forth a few times.
Another simple way to monitor flickering lights is to keep a log of each occurrence. Using the log, homeowners can identify patterns and more easily determine whether their lights are flickering from an internal or external source. Taking these steps can help homeowners address smaller issues, but if the flickering persists, it’s important to watch for warning signs of a more serious problem.
Warning Signs Homeowners Should Never Ignore
It can be easy to dismiss a small flicker in the lights, but not all flickering is harmless. There are certain signs that things are taking a dangerous turn, and homeowners should never ignore them. Never ignore the following warning signs:
- Flickering lights throughout the entire house, rather than isolated to a certain area. Widespread lighting issues may indicate a problem with the main panel.
- Unexplained buzzing or crackling noises that accompany flickering lights.
- The smell of burning or smoke near outlets or switches. These symptoms are serious and should be addressed immediately.
- Outlets and switches that feel warm when touched or show discoloration indicate an overloaded circuit or poor connections.
- When the lighting changes after a large appliance starts, it may indicate a voltage instability in the home.
- Frequent breaker tripping points toward outdated wiring that cannot keep up with the home’s demands.
Although flickering lights may seem minor, when combined with any of these warning signs, they need to be addressed immediately. Enter professional contractors.
Why Call a Professional Electrical Contractor?
When troubleshooting is unsuccessful or the warning signs of major electrical problems are present, Northborough electrical contractors are ready to help. Licensed electricians are familiar with building codes and can resolve any electrical issue safely. Unlike the average homeowner, professional electrical contractors can:
- Thoroughly inspect all wiring and the electrical panel for any safety concerns.
- Identify any overloaded circuits in the home or improper appliance installation.
- Determine if the home’s current electrical system has the capacity to meet modern demands.
- Diagnose hidden problems that may not be obvious to the homeowner.
Having a qualified professional inspect your home to identify electrical issues with lighting not only protects the home but also protects the homeowner. Homeowners should never attempt DIY repairs to wiring, electrical panels, or other major electrical appliances. Electrical contractors have the expertise to perform the job safely and ensure all repairs comply with safety standards and local codes.
Turn Annoyance into Action
Although annoying at first, flickering lights can reveal much about the condition and safety of your home’s electrical system. Whether the cause is as simple as a loose bulb or as complex as outdated wiring, flickering lights serve as an alert to homeowners that something isn’t right. Many issues can be resolved through troubleshooting at home, but others, like those red-flag warning signs, indicate real danger. With electrical issues the leading cause of home fires each year, resulting in over a billion dollars in damage and nearly 500 deaths, ignoring flickering lights is never a good idea. Don’t assume it’s “just” a bulb or think it’s just “how it’s always been.” By understanding common causes of flickering lights, knowing how to troubleshoot them, and calling professional electrical contractors when needed, homeowners can protect their properties, families, and communities from potential hazards.